Savory New Orleans Skillet Cornbread with Bacon

New Orleans Skillet Baked Cornbread

Elevate your dining experience with a delightful side of New Orleans Skillet Baked Cornbread, an essential companion for dishes like “New Orleans Red Beans and Rice.” This recipe hails from “The New Orleans Cookbook” by Rima and Richard Collin, renowned for its traditional Creole flavors. The key to its delectable flavor lies in using bacon grease instead of shortening, which imparts a rich, savory touch to the cornbread that beautifully complements the main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening or bacon drippings
• 1 1/2 cups cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Skillet:

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   • Begin by placing an iron skillet (or a similar heavy-duty baking dish) filled two-thirds with water on the floor of your oven. This step is crucial for achieving a perfectly crisp crust and moist interior in your cornbread.
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, allspice, and freshly ground white pepper. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout the batter.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

   • Add the egg, milk, and 1/4 cup of vegetable shortening or bacon drippings to the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, mix until the batter is smooth and well combined, which should take about 1 minute. If using bacon drippings, the cornbread will have an extra layer of savory flavor.

4. Prepare the Skillet:

   • Grease an 8 or 9-inch skillet or a heavy square baking pan with either vegetable shortening or bacon drippings. The choice of grease will impact the flavor of the cornbread, with bacon drippings providing a deliciously smoky taste.

5. Bake the Cornbread:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared skillet or baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cornbread is done when the top is a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. To serve, cut the cornbread into wedges directly in the skillet. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with butter and/or honey as desired.

Tips for Perfect Cornbread:

• Skillet Preparation: Ensuring the skillet is well-greased and preheated (if desired) helps achieve a crispy, golden crust.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different types of bacon or additional spices to tailor the flavor profile to your taste.
• Serving Suggestions: This cornbread pairs wonderfully with savory dishes and can be served with a variety of toppings for added flavor.

This New Orleans Skillet Baked Cornbread promises to be a standout addition to your table, bringing the essence of Creole cuisine to every bite. Enjoy the perfect blend of crispy crust and tender, moist interior with each serving! 🥯🍯🌟